Certificate of Education in Planning and Zoning

What is the Certificate of Education in Planning and Zoning?

The Certificate of Education in Planning and Zoning program is a self-study course designed to help beginners and experienced plan commissioners, elected and appointed officials, staff and interested citizens alike increase their knowledge about planning and zoning as practiced in Wisconsin. Those completing this course will be better able to direct and influence the growth, development and redevelopment of their communities.

Course Design

This program is designed to fit into the schedule of each participant (student). Students are required to assess their own performance, allowing them to complete each section at their own pace. On average, the course should take between 40 and 60 hours, depending on a student’s base level of knowledge about Wisconsin’s planning practices and law.

This course is based on the publication, Guide to Land Use Planning in Wisconsin by Brian Ohm, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, UW-Madison/Extension. While Ohm’s text serves as the backbone of the course, other publications and examples of best practice remain integral parts of the program.

The course consists of 14 chapters covering the breadth of planning and zoning. Because each student brings his or her own knowledge, experience, interests and responsibilities to the course, the student is responsible for identifying and studying what is new, reviewing what is familiar and skipping what doesn’t apply.

Course Enrollment

Students may enroll at any time and should expect to complete the course within 12 months. Additional time may be provided on request. Students read and study each chapter, complete the self-assessment and chapter evaluation forms and return the forms to the course coordinator/facilitator in their area. Chapter One is mailed upon enrollment. When the evaluation form is returned, the subsequent chapter is sent out.

Enrollment Form – Certificate of Education in Planning and Zoning